It’s vital that those with lung conditions keep their lungs well this Winter. This advice from Asthma + Lung UK should help!
Leading lung charity, Asthma + Lung UK is warning about the dangers of cold weather over the winter months. They highlight the importance of staying warm to ward off illness.
Asthma + Lung UK say freezing conditions could put the lives of millions of people with lung conditions like asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD – an umbrella term for a group of lung conditions which cause breathing difficulties) at risk.
Erika Radford, Head of Health Advice at Asthma + Lung UK said:
“Colder temperatures are especially problematic for people with lung conditions.
“To stay well, we would advise that people heat their homes to at least 18°C if they can, but we know that this is going to be hard for many people this winter. There are also other things that people can do to stay well as it gets colder. Taking medication as prescribed, wearing layers of clothing (as this traps warm air in better than one bulky layer), having hot drinks, eating at least one hot meal a day if you can and avoiding sitting still for more than an hour can all help.”
There’s more great advice for staying cosy here. This includes:
- Keeping draughts out
- Investing in thick, lined curtains
- Rejigging your rooms so radiators aren’t blocked by furniture which will soak up heat
You may be entitled to help with heating, housing and other costs if you’re on a low income. Find out more at www.gov.uk
Yvonne McKenzie I work on the Features team and admit to being nosy, so I love looking after the Between Friends letters and finding out all about our lovely readers. I also look after our health copy and enjoy writing about inspiring people that help make the articles in the magazine so interesting.
